Garvey, John D. Funeral services for John Garvey, age 85 of Bedford, who died Wednesday, February 2, 2005 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Saturday, February 5, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Reverend Tim Maxa officiating. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford with military rites being accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164. Memorials can be given in his name. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

John D. Garvey was born September 8, 1919, in Oak Park, Illinois the son of Ralph Garvey and Frances Schoenlaub Garvey. John answered the call to serve his country entering the United States Army on March 2, 1943, where he served in Germany during World War II. On December 13, 1945, he was given an Honorable Discharge from active service having reached the rank of Technical Sergeant. John lived in the Bedford area for many years.

John is survived by his brother, Robert F. Garvey; five children, John David II, Ralph Procter, Robert Ross, Richard Spencer and Mary Pat (Logsdon); seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Preceding John in death are his parents; his wife Mary Margaret (Procter) Garvey in 1988; a son, James Patrick in 1977; and a granddaughter Natalie Marie Garvey in 1991.

Gay, Darold Dene Funeral services for Darold Gay, age 78 of Omaha, formerly of Bedford, who died Monday, December 18, 2006 in Omaha, Nebraska were held Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home with Reverend Jerry White officiating. Interment with military rites accorded by the John F. Hardin American Legion Post No. 164 were held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in his name. Please leave a message of tribute to the Gay family on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Darold Dene Gay was born in Clarinda, Iowa on April 18, 1928, the twin son of Sherman Gay and Clarbell (Bosley) Gay. He grew up attending school in Clarinda and in November of 1950 he answered the call to serve his country serving in the Army National Guard until he was honorably discharged in November of 1952. On September 23, 1956, he was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Oxley. The couple just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Darold worked for the City of Clarinda and Berry’s Seed Company. And while living there he enjoyed roller skating, working part-time for the Roller Rink. Over the years, he became a Champion Roller Skater, receiving many pins for his Championships. The couple later moved to Omaha where he worked for St. Joseph Hospital for thirty years as a custodian. He loved being outdoors mowing lawns for neighbors and friends, working in his garden and tending to the flowers.

Left to cherish Darold’s memory are his loving wife of 50 years, Barbara Gay of Omaha, Nebraska; a daughter, Viva Brandon and husband Roy of Shenandoah; two sons, Robert Gay and wife Sherrie; and Allen Gay and wife Terri, all of Omaha, Nebraska; eight grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother Pierce Gay and wife Gladys of Bettendorf, Iowa; and a sister Ruth of Oklahoma City; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Darold in death were his parents Sherman and Clarbell; a twin brother Harold and other siblings.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Darold’s passing

Gillette, Doris Erlene Longfellow Funeral services for Doris Gillette, age 78 of Danville, Iowa formerly of Bedford, who died Saturday, July 4, 2009 at Genesis East Hospital in Davenport, Iowa will be held Friday, July 10, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford, Iowa. Visitation will be Thursday from 3 to 7 with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7. Burial will be held in the Washington Cemetery in Gravity. Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society. Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Doris Erlene (Longfellow) Gillette was born June 2, 1931, in Taylor County on the Science Ridge family farm near Blockton, Iowa the third child of Harry Longfellow and Erma (Scott) Longfellow. She grew up attending Science Ridge Country School through eighth grade, graduating from the Bedford High School with the Class of 1949. She was united in marriage to Dean Gillette on January 1, 1950, in Gravity, Iowa. The couple made their home in Taylor County for a few years, moving to Davenport in 1955. She was a homemaker, but also enjoyed working outside her home, having been employed by the Quad City Bowling Service for 23 years. She moved back to Bedford to be near her parents and family. After the death of her parents, she returned to Davenport, settling in Danville in 1996. Dean passed away in February of 2000.

Doris’ family was her life. She loved cooking and baking, always having cookies and bread to share with her grandkids. She especially enjoyed Sunday dinners when she would cook for the entire family. When it came to reading . . . . Doris loved to read . . . . cookbooks that is! She worked in her garden taking pride in canning the produce from her garden . . . . and she let nothing go to waste! Doris was also an excellent seamstress making clothes and mending clothes for her family. She also enjoyed embroidery work and would have liked to learn how to quilt. In her ‘down time’ Doris enjoyed watching “Big Joe’s Polka” on TV and bird watching.

Left to cherish the memories of this wonderful mother, grandmother and friend are her four children, Dee Jackson and husband Richard of Danville, Iowa; Dale Gillette and wife Joanna of Bettendorf, Iowa; Jon Gillette of North Hollywood, California; and Jamie Gillette of Davenport, Iowa; three brothers, Marvin Longfellow and wife Lil of Creston; J.R. Longfellow and wife Dot of Walhalla, South Carolina; Alan Longfellow and wife Eloise of Blockton, Iowa; two sisters, Arlene Mecham and husband Deke of Austin, Texas; and Wilma Jackson and husband Doug of Bedford; a brother-in-law, James Rogers of Walhalla, South Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Betty Longfellow of Bedford, Iowa; and Thelma Gillette of Davenport, Iowa; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; along with many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Doris in death are her parents, Harry and Erma Longfellow; her loving husband Dean in 2000; one brother Chuck Longfellow; two sisters Vivian Beemer and Lois Rogers; and one granddaughter.

Doris was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Her enthusiasm, humor, insight and kindness will be missed by her family.

Gilreath, Hamilton "Bart" Barton Funeral services for Bart Gilreath, age 67 of Bedford, who died Thursday, May 28, 2009 at his home in the loving arms of his wife Connie, were held Monday, June 1, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be directed to Hospice of Central Iowa or the Bedford Ambulance. Bart requested causal dress for his funeral! He was taken to the cemetery on the back of his semi . . . ‘ol blue! Memories can be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Hamilton Barton Gilreath, named for two grandfathers, was born on August 3, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska the son of P.W. Gilreath and Ruby (Faubian) Gilreath. Bart passed away at his home on May 28, 2009, with his loving wife Connie by his side, two years after a brave and courageous battle with lung cancer.

As a young boy, Bart and his mother lived in South Dakota with his Grandpa Faubian while his dad was in World War II. After the War, they, along with sister Sharilyn, moved to Clark County Iowa. It was here that sister Dianne joined the family. Bart attended grade school in Osceola, Waukee and Van Meter, Iowa. He also attended the Christian Church. The family moved to Bedford in 1954, where Bart attended the Bedford High School, graduating with the Class of 1959. After moving to Bedford, Bart worked for Bill and Lorraine O’Dell on the farm during the weekends and in the summer months. This formed a life-long friendship and he considered them family. Later, Bart worked for Vanzo Drennen and at Dougherty Elevator. He also drove a rock truck for C.D. Easter and H.M. Cooper. His first over-the-road truck driving job was with Bill Orr Trucking of New Market, Iowa . . . . . and . . . THAT WAS IT . . . . . HE WAS HOOKED! He had other over-the-road jobs with Dougherty Elevator, Armour Truck Lines, Murphy Co-op, Hunter Truck Lines, Hardisty Elevator, Viner Trucking and Dean Hensley.

Bart purchased his first truck, a 1973 K.W. in 1975 and his pride and joy, OLE BLUE, in 1978. In the early years of ownership, he was leased to Mickow Corp (TMC) and Keane Thummel Trucking. After obtaining his own authority, he ran from the Midwest to the Rio Grande Valley. Due to ill health, he ran his last trip to Texas in June of 2007, although he was still able to attend some truck shows. During his life-long truck driving career, he formed many friendships that he cherished to this day. Bart loved John Wayne, country music, the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Dallas Cowboys, the Bedford Bulldogs, 4-Wheeling, the noise and smoke of tractor pullin, NASCAR with his favorite driver being Jeff Gordon, reading Ralph Compton novels, animals and that ‘ol blue truck!

However, the love of his life and true soul mate, was Connie Norris, who he was united in marriage to on December 6, 1964. Together they shared forty-four years of happiness and joy. When Connie walked into a room, Bart’s eyes would light up and that grin would appear on his face, and you knew you were in the presence of true love. Bart was a member of the American Truck Historical Society; Owner-Operator Independent Driver’s Association; and the Taylor County Fair Board. In his earlier years, Bart rode with the Pony Express Riders of Iowa and was a member of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Posse.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful husband and friend are his loving wife Connie Gilreath of Bedford; two sisters, Sharilyn Gilreath of Littleton, Colorado; and Dianne Freeman and husband Butch of Carson, Iowa; aunt Ruth Faubian of San Antonio, Texas; special brother-in-law, Ronnie Norris of Bedford; special nephew, Kevin Freeman of Carson, Iowa; along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and a community of friends.

Preceding Bart in death are his parents, P.W. and Ruby Gilreath; his in-laws, Gerald and Theola Norris; and his uncle, Willard Faubian.

Bart, you will live in my heart forever!
Love you . . . too too more . . . . Blackie

Glass, Donal Hazen Funeral services for Don Glass, age 91 of Bedford, who died Monday, August 20, 2007, at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Saturday, August 25, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be directed to the Mount Ayr Hospice. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Donal Hazen Glass was born June 30, 1916, in Dot, Virginia, the son of J. M. Glass and Nora (Baker) Glass. He grew up with his three brothers and three sisters (one a twin!) and one foster sister, attending rural schools and moving with his family to Missouri in 1924, and then to Iowa in 1927. Don started dating Helen Victoria Dunn after a high school football game, and on May 15, 1934, the couple were united in marriage in Clarinda. Two children, Neil and Elaine, were born to bless this union.

After their marriage, Don and Helen farmed close to Clarinda. In 1939, they moved to a farm near Bedford and farmed for fourteen years. In 1952, Don rented out his farm ground and purchased the Case Implement business which they successfully operated for fourteen years. Upon their retirement, Don and Helen moved to Moses Lake, Washington where they lived for five years. They then moved to Camanche, Iowa to be near their daughter Elaine and family where they lived for four years. In 1987, they returned to Bedford. Don and Helen celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in 2004 with over 250 guests, truly blessing Don, Helen and their family.

Don and Helen attended the First Baptist Church in Bedford where they were longtime members. He later attended the Hopkins Christian Church. He served on the Interchurch Council in Bedford for many years; was elected to the Taylor County Supervisors Board, serving three terms; served on the Bedford City Council for ten years and was President of District County Officers; the Bedford Lions Club for over 25 years, having served as President for two terms; he was a 4-H Leader and taught a Tractor Safety Class; he belonged to the Odd Fellow Lodge having served as Noble Grand. Don was also a charter member of the Bedford Flying Club, having received his private pilot’s license in 1960. For many years, Don and Helen enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Left to cherish Don’s memory are his loving daughter Evelyn Elaine Everhart and husband Jesse of Camanche, Iowa; two sisters, Mary Miers of Bedford; and Pauline McCune of Lenox; a brother-in-law, Harold Miers of Clarinda; two sisters-in-law, Betty Glass of Bedford; and Dorothy Glass of Moses Lake, Washington; seven grandchildren, Marty Glass of Dallas, Texas; Lori Glass Findley of Dallas, Texas; Tammy Everhart Creacy of Borger, Texas; Tim Glass of Dallas, Texas; Jeff Everhart of Camanche, Iowa; Dena Glass Moore of Independence, Missouri; and Dan Glass of Gower, Missouri; fourteen great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceding Don in death were his parents; his loving wife Helen in 2005; his son David Neil in 2004; three brothers, Henry, Palmer and Ray Glass; his twin sister, Hazel Miers, and foster sister, Thelma Yeary.

Don was a devoted husband and father. His enthusiasm, humor, insight and
gentle kindness will be sorely missed by many.

Glass, Helen Victoria Dunn Funeral Services for Helen Glass, age 89 of Bedford who died Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Bedford Nursing & Rehab Center were held Saturday, March 19, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment was held in the Fairview Cemetery in Bedford. Memorials can be given in Helen’s name. Please leave a message of tribute to the Glass family on our web page, www.ritchiefunralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Helen Victoria Dunn Glass was born July 12, 1915, in Bedford, Iowa the daughter of Albert Joseph Dunn and Ona (Stickelman) Dunn. She was the youngest of four children. Helen was baptized at a young age at the Clarinda Christian Church. When Helen was 11 months old the family moved to Clarinda where she grew up attending school and graduating with the Class of 1933. Helen and Don’s romance began one evening after a home high school football game. On May 15, 1934, she was united in marriage to Donal H. Glass in Clarinda. Two children were born to bless this union.

Don and Helen made their home on a farm near Clarinda. In 1939, they moved to a farm near Bedford and farmed there for fourteen years. In 1952, they purchased Case Implement in Bedford, being in business together for fourteen years. Upon their retirement they moved to Moses Lake, Washington where they lived for five years. They then moved to Camanche, Iowa to be near their daughter Elaine and family where they lived for four years. In 1987 they returned to Bedford. Don and Helen celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary in 2004 with over 250 guests, truly blessing Don, Helen and their family.

Don and Helen attended the First Baptist Church in Bedford where they were long-time members. Helen was a member of the Hopkins Christian church. This was a very bright spot in her life as the church members were wonderful to her. Together they enjoyed traveling all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. Over the years, Helen served as treasurer of AFS for many years and was on the board for the United Way. She served as Taylor County 4-H Chair Person and was named an honorary member in 1958. She also served as treasurer, vice president and president of the Bedford Business and Professional Women and was named as Woman of the Year. She had previously been a member of the Rebekah Lodge as well as belonging to various other clubs.

Left to cherish Helen’s memory are her husband Donal H. Glass of Bedford; her daughter Evelyn Elaine Everhart and husband Jesse of Camanche, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Marty Glass of Dallas, Texas; Lori Glass Findley of Dallas, Texas; Tammy Everhart Creacy of Borger, Texas; Tim Glass of Dallas, Texas; Jeff Everhart of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin; Dena Glass Moore of Independence, Missouri; and Dan Glass of Ballwin, Missouri; thirteen great-great-grandchildren; three great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceding Helen in death are her parents, A.J. and Ona Dunn; a son David Neil in 2004; two brothers, Elton Dunn and Oren Dunn; and a sister, Verla Dunn Hurdle.

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Helen’s passing.

Gonzalez, Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez was stillborn on Thursday, January 15, 2009 at the Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston, Iowa. She is the third child born to Avelino Gonzalez and Maria Cruz (Jimenez) Gonzalez.

Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Avelino and Maria Gonzalez and two brothers, Carlos and Guadalupe all of Lenox; maternal and paternal grandparents of Mexico.

May the Lord grant comfort and strength to those that mourn her passing.

Gray, Paul Gene Gray was born August 30, 1927, to Boyd Dean Gray and Gladice Marrie (Fish) Gray, in Hopkins, Missouri.

Paul grew up in a family dedicated to farming, and he attended various country schools. In the early 1940’s, he was stationed in Berlin, Germany in World War II. He was discharged April 14, 1947.

Upon his returning home he joined his brother, Beryl Dean Gray, beginning a farming partnership that lasted for many years. Paul met Dona Mae Williams and was united in marriage on March 4, 1953 in Villisca, Iowa. To this union three children were born: Carolyn, Barbie, and Deb.

Paul was a dedicated farmer, loving husband, daddy, Grandpa, and friend to many. He enjoyed horses, camping, hunting, fishing, music, playing cards and looked forward to the spring calving season, but most of all his loving family. Paul vacationed with his wife and children during summer breaks to various popular areas. Once his children were raised, he and Dona Mae became “snow birds, traveling south for the winters.

Paul was a member of American Legion, Clearfield Lions, Bedford Saddle Club, Neighborhood card parties, Campfire Sam’s Club, and also participated in Redding Country Music. One of Paul’s favorite past times was camping with the Clearfield Lions Club, while driving shuttle busses at the Iowa State Fair.

On April 18, 1995, after forty two-years of marriage, Paul was left to cherish the loving memory of his wife, Dona Mae.

Companionship was found in a long time neighbor, Donna Marie (Freemyer) Stewart. They were united in marriage on April 16, 1998. Paul gained four loving step-children, thirteen grandchildren, and twenty-five great grand children. This union joined two families with lots of love and laughter. Paul and Donna enjoyed several years traveling south for the winter and camping in the summer.

Paul entered into rest at his home in Clearfield, Iowa on April 8, 2007, with Donna at his side.

Left to cherish his memory, three loving daughters: Carolyn (Gray) Brell and husband William Brell of Lake of the Ozarks, Barbara Gray and companion Karl Fenton of Indianola, and Debra (Gray) Davenport and husband Eric Davenport of Blockton, and his devoted wife, Donna Stewart-Gray. Grandchildren include, April and husband Josh Wilson, Heather (Davenport) and husband Chad Puhrmann, Carl Trujillo, Tracey (Davenport) and husband Josiah Rusk, Dustin Cribbs, and Tony Trujillo. Step-Children include: Dan and Lila Stewart, Dave and Carol Stewart, Linda and Jack DeFreece, and Amy and Doug Williams.

Preceding Paul in death, were his parents: Boyd and Gladice, wife Dona Mae, brother Beryl, and sisters Marcilline and Lorrane.

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn Paul’s passing.